Tropical Storm Isaac may become hurricane before landfall

August 27, 2012 12:10:25 AM PDT

T.J. Winnick

WASHINGTON --

Three states on the gulf coast are under tropical storm warnings right now. Tropical Storm Isaac is on course to reach hurricane strength on Wednesday -- the 7-year anniversary of Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.

Isaac is growing more focused -- the center becoming more clear. After at least 8 died in Haiti, the storm ripped across Key West on Sunday causing some flooding. Tracking westward, the storm is expected to pick up steam, and when it hits the Gulf Coast, it could be a category-two hurricane.

"I urge Mississippians to monitor their local media and heed all warnings and evacuation orders issued by local and state officials," said Governor Phil Bryant (R) Mississippi.

Just days before the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the city of New Orleans is on edge. Drivers have already lined up for gas and residents are buying plywood. The city has declared a state of emergency and officials are warning to be ready for anything.

"We're certainly encouraging all of our people to stay alert, to monitor local weather conditions in their area and to follow what local officials are telling them," said Governor Bobby Jindal (R) Louisiana.

In South Florida, millions have been pummeled by wind and rain as Isaac is whipping up waves. Across the state, schools are closed for over a million students today.

Tampa will be spared the worst of the storm. Still, strong winds and over a half of foot of rain are in the forecast. As a result, Republican officials have scaled the convention back from four days to three. The Republican Convention will convene for just 5 minutes on Monday, formality before adjourning until Tuesday.

Not only is the storm is delaying the Republican National Convention by one day, but organizers have to squeeze four days worth of events into three. Convention officials say they have delegates safety covered, but they're aren't taking any chances. Outdoor events are getting moved inside, and sandbags are in place outside the hotel housing the 800-strong California delegation.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says he's not nervous about Isaac or his prime-time address at the convention. Christie says he's confident his keynote speech tomorrow night will be a big hit. "I've had a lot of people asking me, 'Are you nervous?' let me just tell you. All you folks, see, you know, people from other states will be asking me that question. All of you in this room know the answer to that question. But to let me tell you, you don't know what's going to happen when I burst out of that gate by 10:30 Tuesday night."

Most of the speakers set to take the convention stage Monday have been rescheduled for later in the week. Mitt Romney's acceptance speech is scheduled for Thursday.